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CLERGY
Religious Declaration on Marriage Equality
Connecticut Clergy for Marriage Equality
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Declaración Religiosa sobre la Igualdad Matrimonial
View the Clergy who have signed the Religious Declaration on Marriage Equality
Connecticut Clergy for Marriage Equality In the News
We the undersigned unite as one religious voice in unwavering support of marriage for same-gender couples. While we bear witness to a broad range of religious beliefs and practices with regard to marriage for same-gender couples, we believe the State of Connecticut should offer equal treatment under the law to all citizens, including the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage.
As religious leaders we affirm and promote commitment and fidelity in the relationship of marriage. We value the holy covenant of marriage because it creates stable, committed relationships; provides a means to share economic resources; and nurtures the individual, the couple, and children. Good marriages benefit the community and express the religious values of long-term commitment and faithfulness. Civil Union cannot fully embody these values; only marriage can. There is no difference in marriages between a man and a woman, two men, or two women. As our traditions affirm, where there is love, God is in our midst.
Sacred scripture and tradition call faith communities to justice and compassion, and help provide a mandate for marriage equality. Justice as right relationship seeks both personal and communal well-being. It is embodied in interpersonal relationships and institutional structures, including marriage. Justice demands the elimination of marginalization for reasons of race, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status. We oppose appeals to isolated texts and outmoded traditions. Scriptures which were written in different times and in the context of a very different culture may reflect that culture more than they reflect Divine intent. For example, we believe those texts which absolutely forbid divorce, or require women to be subservient to their husbands, do not express the will of God for our culture.
We respect the fact that debate and discussion continue in many of our religious communities as to the theological and liturgical issues in marriage. We support the right of all religious communities to make their own decisions about whom to marry. However, we draw on our many faith traditions to arrive at a common conviction: the state of Connecticut should allow same-gender couples to share fully and equally in civil marriage.
We offer special thanks to the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry and the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing whose statements on marriage equality served as guides for this declaration.
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